Aim To describe three styles of interviews and discuss issues regarding planning and conducting interviews. Background Interviews are probably the approach most used to collect data in studies. They are particularly useful in uncovering the story behind a participant’s experiences. Researchers can follow a line of questions to gain information about a topic, or further explore responses or findings. But the researcher needs to plan and decide the format of the interview before collecting data. Review methods The authors included papers on structured, unstructured and semi-structured interviews published in a peer-reviewed journal and in English. Discussion Interviews are one of the most common methods of data collection in qualitative research. However they require the researcher to have a sound understanding of their use and appropriateness. The ability to conduct interviews is one that develops over time and to aid the researcher in developing their interview skills they should consult with other researchers, seeking comments and advice and, critically, to appraise audio recordings. Conclusion This article aims to support students who are undertaking research modules as part of their academic studies, writing a research proposal or novice researchers who are about to use interviews as a means of data collection. Implications for research/practice To conduct a successful interview, researchers need to develop their interview technique, choose the right method and carefully plan for all aspects of the process.

Globally, governments have introduced a variety of public health measures including restrictions and reducing face-to-face contact, to control the spread of COVID-19. This has implications for mental health services in terms of support and treatment for vulnerable groups such as people with pre-existent mental health conditions. However, there is limited evidence of the impact of COVID-19 and its related restrictions on people with pre-existent mental health conditions. To identify the impact of COVID-19 and its related restrictions on people with pre-existent mental health conditions. A scoping review of the literature was employed. Eight electronic databases (PsycINFO, Cochrane, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Complete) were searched and 2566 papers identified. 30 papers met the criteria for this review and findings were summarised under three key review questions. COVID-19 and its related restrictions have had a notable effect on people with pre-existent mental health conditions. Public health restrictions have contributed to increased levels of social isolation, loneliness, and reduced opportunities for people to connect with others. Reduced access to health services and treatments has compounded matters for those seeking support. Exacerbation and deterioration of symptoms are commonly reported and can lead to greater susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. The importance of proactive planning, alternative accessible healthcare services and supports for vulnerable and at-risk groups is illuminated. Increased monitoring, early intervention and individually tailored care strategies are advocated. Recommendations revolve around the need for enhanced provision of remote support strategies facilitated using technology enhanced resources. ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY.

Focus groups are used by researchers in the social and behavioural sciences to explore phenomena and are accepted as a legitimate qualitative methodology. The primary goal of focus groups is to use interaction data resulting from discussion among participants to increase the depth of the enquiry and reveal aspects of the phenomenon assumed to be otherwise less accessible. This article, the first of three articles on focus groups, examines the nature of focus groups, issues regarding planning focus groups, selecting participants and the size of the groups. This article is aimed at students who are undertaking research modules as part of their academic studies or writing a research proposal as well as at novice researchers who intend to use focus groups as a means of data collection.

The use of focus group interviews as a means of qualitative data collection has gained popularity in health service research in recent years. Despite their popularity, analysing qualitative data—particularly focus-group interviews—poses a challenge to most researchers. This article follows the authors' previous articles on; focus group theory, and the preparation and conduct of focus group interviews. Despite the publications on conducting focus groups, little information exists regarding the analysis of data gathered in such groups in health services. The present paper focuses on the concepts and application of data analysis and the use of analysis frameworks. The article aims to assist researchers and provide practical steps for the analysis of focus-group data. Thus, the authors provide a framework for analysing focus group data through identifying data analysis techniques suited for the study of these data.